Welcome Alumni!

Borrowing Privileges

In order to check out items and use reserve materials you must apply for an Alumni Library card. You can fill out the online application (PDF) or apply at the Library Information Desk.

We will need to see personal identification that includes a photo (such as a driver's license) in order to verify your alumni status with the Alumni Office or the Registrar's Office. Upon verification, you will be registered with a temporary account for immediate borrowing privileges. A permanent WPI library card will be sent to you in the mail.

Access to Computers

Alumni may use computers on the Main floor in the library. Visit the Information Desk with a photo ID or alumni ID to request access and a staff member will log you in.

Access to the Building

For immediate service, we encourage alumni to use the library during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8AM-5PM) but we are open longer hours for your convenience.

Access to Materials

When you visit the library and once you are logged in with the generic alumni account, you will have access to most library resources, including many of the electronic journals, books, and databases. However, access to some resources is limited to current faculty, students, and staff, even in the library. Our licenses and contracts with publishers and resource providers allow off-campus access to library eJournals, eBooks, and databases only to current faculty, students, and staff.

Recent graduates have access to their WPI network accounts for approximately 4 months after graduation and access to most library resources on and off campus during this time.

Research Assistance

Our library staff and resources are available for your research needs. See our online tools and resources for Research Help, consult a librarian, or email us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

After you graduate from WPI, you'll lose access to the hundreds of thousands of paid resources that the Gordon Library provides to the WPI community. If your employer or institution can't afford the high cost of information or you can't come in to the Gordon Library, check out our guide to finding articles after you graduate.